Clock Tower of Bitola

The clock tower of Bitola ( Bitola also Sahat Kula - called ) is the landmark and one of the most important buildings in the Macedonian city of Bitola. It stands on the south bank of the Dragor on the central park of the city center, where there is also the New Mosque and the Church of St. Demetrios are.

The clock tower is one of the most representative monuments of Islamic Art in Macedonia.

Architectural History

The unique time of origin of the tower is unknown. According to some historical records he is mentioned in the 16th century at the time of Ottoman rule. However, because of insufficient description of these sources can not tell if it is the current building itself.

Other writings quantify the construction period to the year 1830. A legend from this period states that the Turkish city of men einsammelten by the inhabitants about 60,000 eggs to mix it with the mortar and thus to make the walls stronger and more resilient.

During the mid-1990s, the monument was extensively restored preserving in its original.

Construction

The 30 meter high clock tower is square in its layout. It is divided into three sections ( starting from the bottom ): the stone base, the movement with the four dials and the spire with a terrace. The walls are decorated stylishly carved stones.

The terrace can be climbed by a spiral staircase. More recently, a cross was on top of the tower also attached.

Movement

The original clock mechanism from the Ottoman era was replaced during World War II by one until today functioning movement from the German Nazi regime, as thanks for the performed maintenance and care of the German military cemetery from the First World War by the city administration.

The clock has a further Carillion, which was renovated by German companies in 2009.

Source

• Saat Kula - The Clock Tower of Goran Popcanovski in: Bitola.de (with pictures), last accessed February 12, 2012